"Since he received the award at a White House ceremony last fall, the 26-year-old Afghanistan war hero has only worn the bulky medal at official Army gatherings, charity events and media appearances.

"It's difficult every time I put it on," he told Stars and Stripes. "The second I throw the medal on, it's kind of a spotlight. It definitely comes with a heavy weight and responsibility. It's always easier not to have it on."